The members of the Zonta Club of Myrtle Beach are deeply saddened to pass on the news that our friend and mentor, Past International President Ruth Walker, passed away Sunday, December 20. Ruth underwent open heart surgery in late October which was 100% successful; unfortunately, fluid retention significantly weakened her kidneys.

Zonta International leadership extends sympathy to members of District 11 as we say goodbye to a remarkable woman. Along with District 11, ZI will contribute to the Celebration of Life next month.” During her term as ZI President, Ruth’s theme was “Education, Understanding and Peace through Giving, Time, Self, Money”. Her words and her actions will not be forgotten.

In recognition of her many years of service to ZI, she will be featured in the January Zonta International e-Newsletter, on the website and in the next issue of our magazine. Zonta International benefited greatly from PIP Ruth’s active involvement and leadership and for that we are scholarshiful.

Ruth joined the Zonta Club of Columbus, Ohio in 1966. She was a tireless member of Zonta during her almost 50 years of service. She served at all levels of Zonta from club president to District (5) Governor to International President (1988-90 biennium). Upon her retirement from banking, she and her beloved husband, Maynard, relocated to Myrtle Beach, SC. Shortly after her move she began working to establish a club in her new hometown resulting in the chartering of the Zonta Club of Myrtle Beach in 1993. Ruth remained active, serving on the 2014 Zonta International Convention Committee.

Ruth was also active in her church (Ocean Drive Presbyterian) serving as an Elder, Clerk of Session and Parliamentarian. She also sang in the choir, served on the board of the preschool, and chaired the Pastor Search Committee.

Ruth was very proud of her daughter, Charlotte, her stepsons, Marshall and Warren, and her step daughter, Debbie. And her grandchildren Nikki, Sean, and Kiley her great grandchildren were the apple of her eye.

To carry on her legacy, the Zonta Club of Myrtle Beach has established the “Ruth F. Walker Scholarship” for young women at Coastal Carolina University. Donations may be made to the Zonta Foundation of Myrtle Beach (PO Box 51572, Myrtle Beach, SC 29579) designated for this scholarship.

A ”Celebration of Life” service will be held on Saturday, January 30, 2016, ll:00 am. The service will be held at Ocean Drive Presbyterian Church located at
410 Sixth Ave. South
North Myrtle Beach, SC, 29582.

Categories

District 11 is truly an international district composed of the Southeast United States, the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, and the British Virgin Islands. The states included are Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.